Running through the streets of Manchester isn’t an ideal way to get to a gig but nothing about today has been normal compared to my day-to-day life, starting my day sat listening to panels and like-minded people talk about issues the music industry faces.
As I reach Off the Square I’m early, really early. Standing outside before any of the bands get there, I should probably go sit somewhere but it’s been a pain in the arse to find so I’ll just wait it out. I worm myself in and stand beside the bar waiting for the show to start and the bar to open. As I stand there, a band conduct a sound check.
Hollowbody take the stage, a five piece, who have a tight knit rhythm system, and each member bounce off each other. Musically hints off ALT J and early Bloc Party seep through with ‘Godspeed’ being an absolute tune and the guitarist pulling out a solo which howls through the venue. Vocals and backing vocals are amazing but at times are noticeably quiet (which is a constant theme throughout the night). The final song brings an acoustic guitar which is something I always like to see.
MSIX are next up, a relatively new band who are younger than me which is scary to think, with a muddier, harsher sound which is evident on their original song ‘People so it seems.’ Playing covers like ‘Rebel Yell’ and the lead singer has a similar voice to Billy Idol. The drummer is wearing a blazer jacket who I for one think is boss and brings loads of energy which each member plays up to.
Nessa May strolls onto the stage and brings a vibe, she’s a Spanish solo artist. My Spanish GSCE doesn’t come in handy as I can’t understand half of the words she’s saying. Nessa has loads of stage presence as she’s dancing away as well as crowd work. Her vocals are smooth which is evident on ‘Azul’, and she can also rap. A totally different type of artist I listen to but great, nonetheless.
Energy is the driving force behind Cheidu Oraka’s set, who’s a rapper from Hull and he loves scousers which I’m all for feeling included. Rapping over old school beats as well as clubland anthems showing his diverse nature and his ability to spit a bar. His hype man is able to get the crowd going and his DJ is getting them dancing with Cheidu getting them to take part in ‘Gun finger.’
It feels like a cop out to review The Kairos compared to the other bands as I’m already a fan of them. With them just off the back of supporting the Sex Pistols, they take the stage and raucous begins. The whole band is on top form, playing well known hits such as ‘Teetotal’ and ‘Lazy Lethargic’ as well as recently released ‘Punchline Fistfight’ which is a rammer. Vocally and musically immense with both guitarists running away with their riffs. The drums pound away whilst the bass keeps a constant driving force behind each tune.
Grassroot venues are massively underfunded, and many are facing closures due to many economic and social issues. It’s clear from tonight as much as these artists are amazing and deserve to be seen, many people aren’t coming out to see up and coming artists, which means the venue themselves aren’t making money and the artists are losing places to play and aren’t being seen to make that step up. Drastic changes are needed to make them thrive.
